Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-11-12T02:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever walked through a rustic, stone piazza in Italy — or dreamed of it — and wished you could bring a little of that look into your own home? You can. It’s a new design trend, using weathered stone and brick, which are normally associated with outdoor spaces, in your interior designs, creating warmth, timeless beauty and even a bit of drama in your home.

But stone and brick are heavy, oftentimes requiring structural reinforcements when using them in design. The solution? Manufactured stone veneer, or MSV. Its lightweight composition simplifies installation without the need for those additional structural reinforcements. Simply put, it’s easier to use and gives the same look, feel and warmth.

What is MSV? It’s a concrete mixture that is hand-colored with iron oxide pigments and cast in flexible molds taken from natural stone or traditional brick. Use it for focal points like exterior entrances, interior foyers, mudrooms, fireplaces, walls or kitchen backsplashes.

MSV innovations like those from Westlake Royal Building Products help bring timeless architectural features like archways, fireplaces and textured accent walls into homes. You can use it outside, too, to bring character to patios and outdoor entertaining areas. Stone and brick veneer integrates well with a variety of other materials, adding an organic component that enhances both interiors and exteriors.

Here are some ways to add the timeless look of stone, brick and wood to your interior designs.

Ancient inspiration. Infuse your home with Italian amorè! Turn your family room into an Italian grotto or your bathroom into an elegant spa with LoreioBrick, by Eldorado Stone. This linear brick veneer was inspired by ancient Roman architecture and lends a timeless air to the space. Pair it with beamed ceilings, wrought-iron fixtures and candles and you’ve got a modern bathroom with its roots in antiquity. Imagine earthy tones and neutral colors, blending classical and modern design.

The warmth of wood. Transform your den or family room into a contemporary lodge with Rivenwood, also by Eldorado Stone. Inspired by slender lengths of saw-cut barnwood, it’s rustic modern, with authentic wood details like nails, breaks and knots. It lends the feel of wide, open spaces, luxury ranch life and relaxing in front of the fire at the end of a long ride through the countryside.

A mosaic of color. Country Ledgestone by Cultured Stone is ideal for creating a textural mosaic around a fireplace or on an accent wall. Think “organic modernism” that combines organic textures and nature-inspired elements with minimalist design to create warm, relaxed spaces. The look is long and sleek, offering a relaxing, yet upscale feel to your indoor spaces.

A whisper of winter. Dutch Quality Stone’s Handformed Brick is a new, tumbled brick veneer. It brings to life old world craftsmanship, with every brick having a unique texture and artisanal charm. The attention to detail adds a rich sense of lineage to the look of your new or renovated space. Handformed Brick is available in three colorways, including the new Snowpack color that was inspired by the crisp, clean essence of freshly fallen snow.

The look of brick, stone and wood will infuse your walls with color, warmth and life, evoking images of ancient Italy, the open frontier or even a blanket of new snow.

2024-11-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Winter is coming — are you and your home ready to face the frosty weather? With energy costs on the rise, many Americans have been feeling the pinch and are actively searching for energy-saving tips to tighten their budgets, according to a survey from Payless Power. As the chill sets in, now is the perfect time to prep your house for the season ahead. Whether it’s blocking sneaky drafts or fending off wood rot, these tips will help you keep the cold at bay and your home cozy and functional all winter long.

Seal Gaps

Drafts and air leaks around your home can significantly increase heating costs and make it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Stay warm by sealing gaps in walls, around windows and in cavities with the easy-to-use, 20-ounce, Wall & Cavity Foam can from DAP. This foam is ideal for touch-ups, repairs and hard-to-reach spaces, providing an airtight seal that boosts energy efficiency and helps keep the cold out all season.

Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is another simple yet effective way to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping, reducing drafts and lowering your heating bills. Choose the right type of weatherstripping, such as adhesive-backed foam or V-strip, and replace any worn or damaged seals to ensure a snug fit. This can make a significant difference in keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Inspect and Repair Wood Rot

Wood rot can severely weaken your home’s structure, especially in the colder months when moisture and freezing temperatures are most prevalent. Before winter sets in, thoroughly inspect exterior wooden surfaces such as decks, window frames and doors for any signs of decay. If wood rot is present, it’s essential to replace the damaged wood and apply a high-quality preservative to protect against further deterioration. DAP’s Plastic Wood™ Wood Rot Repair Kit is a great option because it provides a fast-drying wood hardener that strengthens soft, damaged areas and a heavy-duty epoxy filler with a self-mixing nozzle that resists shrinking and cracking.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics or exterior walls, are at risk of freezing. Pipe insulation is a quick and easy way to protect your plumbing from the cold, preventing potential bursts that could cause flooding and water damage.

Clean Your Gutters and Inspect Your Roof

Gutters play a crucial role in keeping your home dry by channeling rain and snow away from your roof, preventing water from seeping in and causing damage. Clearing out dead leaves and debris helps avoid ice dams, gutter detachment and overflow issues. While you’re at it, check your roof for any accumulated branches or debris, and inspect for missing or damaged shingles that may need replacement.

By tackling these winterization projects, you can protect your home from the harsh effects of winter while saving on energy costs. Don’t wait for the first snowfall — get started today and make sure your home is ready to withstand whatever the season throws your way! For more tips and products to winterize your home, visit DAP.com.

2024-11-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – A thoughtfully designed interior can enhance well-being by harmonizing elements that support us physically, encourage mindfulness, and elevate the overall sensory experience. Among these essentials, clean and refreshing drinking water is foundational in cultivating a health-focused kitchen space.

A multisensory haven

Designing for wellness goes far beyond visual aesthetics; it’s about engaging all the senses. A well-balanced space can both soothe and ignite the senses, elevating how the environment is experienced every day.

At the heart of this concept lies serenity, which can be brought to life through thoughtfully curated additions to a space. Sound-dampening technology or nature-inspired background sounds, like flowing water or rainfall, offer peace. Further, one can enhance the sense of smell through scent diffusers, heighten tactile comfort with natural textiles, and delight taste through innovative kitchen technology. Experience water’s most perfect state with the Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System: as refreshing as it is revitalizing.

By thoughtfully engaging all five senses, the kitchen transforms into a sanctuary that nurtures mindfulness and overall well-being.

Inspired technology

Technology is at the forefront of in-home wellness, enabling innovations that empower homeowners to live more efficiently and enjoyably. From air purifiers that remove airborne contaminants to smart lighting that can help regulate sleep cycles or reduce eye strain, there are multiple ways to boost health through technology.

Water is the cornerstone of personal wellness. It offers benefits through spa-quality shower and bath systems, as well as essential hydration for our bodies. The Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System ensures the highest quality of drinking water by reducing over 90 contaminants with its sophisticated six-stage filtration process. Compact and efficient, it offers a luxurious hydration experience in the convenience of your home kitchen.

Mindful minimalism

A minimalist design approach balances both form and function, intentionally using space to promote tranquility and reduce visual clutter, essential qualities for a serene kitchen. With the Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System, you can achieve a clean aesthetic, saving space by 60% compared to traditional tanked systems, underscoring the Brizo^® brand’s commitment to luxurious, purposeful design.

Incorporating wellness into kitchen design not only enhances daily living, but also brings a sense of luxury and intentionality to the home. By blending advanced technology, minimalist aesthetics, and multisensory experiences, Brizo helps create spaces that nurture both body and mind. Whether through the refreshing purity of the Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System or the serene ambience of a well-curated interior, a Brizo kitchen is more than just functional — it’s an invitation to experience the ultimate in wellness-centered luxury.

2024-10-31T01:01:00

(BPT) – Because you love your home, you want to make your outdoor spaces just as comfortable and unique as the ones you’ve created indoors. Whether you dream of entertaining or relaxing, you want to make memories in beautiful outdoor areas curated to reflect your tastes and durable enough to meet your demands.

From hosting outdoor dinner parties to seeking solace in your own garden sanctuary, here are four essentials that will help you create the ultimate oasis in your backyard.

1. Quality Kitchen Tools to Cook Outdoors Like a Pro

For those who love to entertain or simply enjoy cooking outdoors, high-quality outdoor cooking appliances are a game-changer. Stainless outdoor grills, griddles, smokers and pizza ovens provide a top-notch cooking experience and add a touch of style to your outdoor space.

Make sure to invest in appliances that are designed to stand the test of time while providing exceptional performance, like those from Belgard’s Elements line. With the right outdoor kitchen tools, you can confidently look forward to many years ahead of whipping up tasty meals al fresco in your beautiful backyard.

2. Shade and Privacy to Customize Your Space

Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home. One way you can recreate the privacy of your indoor spaces outside is with privacy screens and outdoor curtains. Available in a variety of designs and material options, you’ll find the right one to enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor spaces.

Other worthwhile additions to consider are pergolas and umbrellas to create shaded areas for additional comfort. These not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also offer practical benefits like additional protection from the elements.

3. Planters that Bring Your Space to Life

If you have a patio or deck, bring an artistic touch to these outdoor areas with beautiful planters. Adding greenery to the space can instantly create a welcoming ambiance, so pick out planters that complement your outdoor furniture and decor so you can showcase your plants and flowers in style.

Planters can add a unique design, and when using the highest quality materials, they can offer exceptional performance and long-lasting durability. Tall planters, planter bowls and more will last season after season and can even be used as a multifunctional unit that offers division in your space. You can also add modular components to create another place to sit.

4. Fire Features that Transform your Backyard

Transform your backyard into a warm, inviting haven where memories are made with fire features. For example, outdoor firepits and firepit inserts elevate your outdoor experience by creating a cozy focal point in your backyard.

Check out this selection of outdoor fire features from Belgard. Whether you need a stone fire pit or a gas fire pit insert, you’ll find the right product to make your family and guests want to gather outdoors for warmth, comfort and bonding.

Start living your best life just outside your back door by looking for meticulously crafted outdoor products that blend seamlessly with any design aesthetic, from modern to rustic. For more ideas and design inspiration, visit ElementsHome.com.

2024-10-29T14:27:00

(BPT) – Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s BestPlaces evaluated and ranked 400 cities across the United States based on quality-of-life metrics to determine the top cities that best meet the needs of transitioning servicemembers, Veterans and their families. They also identified the best cities for those who are looking to retire, buy a home, move to a small town or start a business.

2024-10-29T09:35:00

(BPT) – If you have a living room or family room with limited wall space, you may be challenged to find the best place for your TV. Fortunately, mounting a TV above a fireplace is not only a popular design choice that saves space and creates a single striking focal point, but thanks to recent advancements in fireplace technology it’s safer and more stylish than ever to pair these living room staples.

Innovative heat management

Modern fireplaces have revolutionized the way designers and families think about TV placement. The Heat & Glo Primo II gas fireplace, for example, showcases innovative technology that allows for unique design possibilities:

TV placement: You can safely mount your TV just one inch above the fireplace opening.

Finishing materials: Heat-sensitive materials like sheetrock or wood panels can be brought right up to the fireplace opening.

Year-round enjoyment: You can enjoy the cozy ambiance of a fire without the heat, thanks to advanced heat management.

Safe touch: A cooling system keeps the glass at a safe temperature without a protective screen, which is ideal for homes with children and pets.

“A fireplace traditionally puts out a lot of heat, which you may not always want,” said Kathy Rogers, hearth expert at Heat & Glo. “But instead of eliminating the fireplace altogether, you can choose a fireplace with a heat management component. This allows you to control the amount of heat being emitted, and also lets you safely put your TV above the fireplace.”

How to match your fireplace to your TV

For a harmonious and balanced living room or family room, consider these five tips:

1. Size matters: Match the width of your fireplace to the width of your TV for a cohesive look. The most popular TV sizes are 43”, 50,” 55” and 65”. These pair perfectly with the width of our most popular fireplaces.

Fireplace width	TV width	Advertised TV Size
36″	37.5″	43″
42″	43.6″	50″
48″	48″	55″
60″	57″	65″

2. Mounting height: Ensure that the TV is at a comfortable viewing height, so you’re not craning your neck to see the screen. Heat & Glo fireplaces offer mounting as close as one inch from the fireplace opening, ensuring the location height of your TV isn’t hindered.

3. Design consistency: Choose complementary styles. If you have an ultra-modern TV, consider a sleek, contemporary fireplace design. A linear fireplace fits these needs perfectly.

4. Measure first: Before purchasing either one, be sure to measure both your TV and your desired fireplace to create visual balance. It’s recommended to take your ceiling height and size of the room into consideration.

5. Viewing comfort: Consider the distance of the TV from your seating area to avoid neck and eye strain, as well as optimal viewing. The best viewing distance depends on both the size of the screen and the resolution of your TV. Most TV manufacturers provide recommendations for optimal viewing distance, so it’s a good idea to look this up before mounting your TV and placing furniture.

With careful planning and the right technology, you can create a beautiful, functional living space that seamlessly incorporates both your TV and your fireplace. Modern fireplace designs offer the flexibility to enhance your space without compromising on safety or aesthetics, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds — the warmth of a fireplace and the entertainment of a well-placed TV.

Learn more about this technology and find a fireplace that fits your style at HeatNGlo.com.

2024-10-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you recycle at home or the office, that’s great! Mother Nature thanks you. But, when was the last time you thought about how and what you’re tossing into your bins? If you’re recycling like it’s 1999, or even 2019, you might be interested to learn that this practice has changed, evolved and expanded within the past few years. Here’s what you need to know.

Organic waste. Organic waste recycling is growing in the U.S., with many cities like Minneapolis, Seattle, Austin, Portland, Boulder, Denver, New York City, San Francisco and more offering curbside composting bins. The idea is to keep food out of landfills, and it works the same as recycling other items, except it’s the food scraps from your dinner plate, veggies that have gone bad in the back of your fridge, and any other food scraps you generate while cooking — peels, rinds, egg shells, meat scraps, you name it. Check with your local municipality to see if organic waste recycling is available where you live.

Plastic. Not all plastic is created equal. For example, resin codes — the chasing arrows triangle with a number inside the shape, helps recyclers sort plastics. But, just because an item has a resin code does not mean it is recyclable. The best rule of thumb in recycling plastic is to look for clear messaging about recycling on-pack or check your recycling hauler’s website. And about plastic bags: Many cities now offer separate collection facilities for plastic bags.

Cartons. The milk and juice cartons you buy in the refrigerated case and shelf-stable cartons, like those often used to package beverages, broths and soups that don’t need to be refrigerated — they’re recyclable.

Ten or 20 years ago, this wasn’t necessarily the case. It’s a big change, and one that didn’t just happen. In 2009, the Carton Council of North America formed with the goal of reducing the number of cartons sent to landfills. And they’ve been successful. Today, food and beverage cartons — like those from Tetra Pak — are accepted in the majority of household recycling programs and are recycled into paper products and green building materials.

Learn more about carton recycling access at any U.S. residential address using this recycling locator tool. Then, recycle your empty carton by tossing it into your recycling bin. It is suggested you keep the cap on or push the straw in to the carton to prevent litter.

Want to know more about how cartons are recycled? Visit Tetra Pak’s carton recycling page.

Single-stream vs. dual-stream. This may sound counterintuitive, but many communities are transitioning to single-stream recycling. That’s just tossing plastic, glass, paper, cartons, cardboard and other recyclables into the same bin. While this makes it convenient for people, and sorting technologies have advanced to streamline the sorting process, it also ups the risk of contamination. But, getting more people to recycle is a step in the right direction. Homeowners and renters who recycle can do their part to reduce contamination by learning what items their recycling collection facility accepts and only placing those items in the bin.

Electronics. In the past, it was difficult to know what to do when it was time to put that cell phone or television out to pasture. But now, new technologies like sorting robotics and new laws are making it easier to recycle your electronics. Check in your area or visit https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling for more information.

Recycling is good for the planet and now, thanks to the good work of dedicated people and organizations like the Carton Council of North America, recycling continues to evolve and improve.

2024-10-28T14:23:00

(BPT) – Everyone loves autumn — the incredible fall colors, the nip in the air, pumpkins popping up on doorsteps. It’s also the time people should be prepping their homes for the long winter’s nap and observing some important safety measures along the way. October is Fire Prevention Month, and it’s perfectly timed because we’re all heading into the season when we cozy up with heaters, electric fireplaces, tree lights, and more. It’s also the season when bad weather can cause power outages, necessitating the use of generators. So, it’s a great time to be extra mindful about fire and electrical safety.

Here are some tips for fire prevention.

Schedule a home electrical safety check

When your local Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, performs an electrical home safety check, they carry out a thorough examination of your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical wires, systems, and components meet legal safety standards, using the National Electrical Code (NEC) as their primary guideline. Not only is it important for the safety of your home and everyone in it, but getting your home’s electrical system checked by a professional will also offer you peace of mind.

Upon completion of your electrical home safety check, you’ll receive a detailed, prioritized checklist that includes areas that need immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities.

Be careful with your electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are easy to install, have the same cozy ambiance as a fireplace, and provide heat and warmth as well. They’re much safer than traditional space heaters because they’re sturdy and are nearly impossible to knock over. But people still need to be mindful. Safety guidelines to follow: keep other objects like blankets, electronics and toys away from the fireplace, avoid touching the surface because it can become quite hot, don’t leave kids or pets unattended around your electric fireplace, and don’t use the unit outside. Unplug it when it’s not in use, and never modify an electric fireplace (or any electric appliance). That’s the job for a pro.

Teach your kids about electrical safety

Child-proofing your electrical outlets is Parenting 101. But it’s just as important, maybe more so, to teach your kids about electrical safety. It’s vital they know not to put anything into an outlet, how to plug and unplug a cord safely, and that water and electricity is a deadly combination.

Mind your circuits

Everyone has tripped a circuit at one time or another and has had to head to the circuit breaker to flip it back on. If this happens once in a while, it’s usually not a big deal. If it’s happening a lot, and you’re not to blame by, say, plugging five appliances into a single power strip, it’s time to upgrade your circuit breaker. Constantly tripping circuits can cause damage to appliances and your electrical system and even cause fires. If you want to find out more about installing a new circuit breaker or otherwise want the advice of a professional electrician, your local Mr. Electric can help! Find your nearest location by typing in your ZIP code on their homepage, then schedule an appointment online.

Prep for winter power outages

Do you have a whole-house surge protector? If not, now is the time to invest in one. That, along with a generator, can help ensure your family isn’t left in the dark when the power goes out. If you’re not sure what size of generator to choose, calling the pros is a wise option. Your local Mr. Electric can help you choose the right generator for your home before you need it. They’ll install it, maintain it and make sure your electrical system is ready for the next big storm.

For more information about getting an electrical home safety check, contact your local Mr. Electric.

2024-10-23T06:05:00

(BPT) – JURA, the global innovation leader in automatic coffee machines, introduces the JURA J8 twin, packed with technical innovations for an unparalleled coffee experience. With its two high-performance grinders, it can prepare 31 delicious specialties at the touch of the display. It also features JURA’s exclusive Sweet Foam function that flavors milk foam with a hint of syrup.

Dual Conical Grinders for Coffee Customization

The J8 twin can process two different coffee bean varieties thanks to the double bean hopper and two high-performance P.A.G.3+ conical grinders. It can prepare espresso in the morning and decaf at night or customize a personal blend of two different single-origin beans. The machine actively monitors grind consistency, which controls the aroma in the cup. Between preparations, the grinders remain in rest mode, extending their service life while ensuring consistently delectable flavor.

Sweet Foam Function

The J8 twin takes indulgence to a whole new level with the Sweet Foam function. Simply fill the included attachment with syrup, secure to the frother, and the system infuses the subtly sweet flavor evenly throughout the milk foam. Customize flavor and intensity, using your favorite syrup — amaretto, hazelnut, butterscotch, vanilla, gingerbread, tangerine, lavender, cherry — the flavor possibilities are endless!

Coffee Eye

An exclusive JURA innovation, the Coffee Eye is an intelligent cup sensor to ensure the cups are always placed under the correct spout for the chosen specialty.

Easy to Use and Tech-Ready

The Panorama Coffee Panel is the control center for the J8 twin. Operation is intuitive and includes an Easy Mode with slider controls. The machine features integrated Wi-Fi Connect and is compatible with J.O.E. (JURA Operating Experience), an exclusive free mobile app. J.O.E. allows users to personalize their favorite beverages, initiate brewing, view maintenance instructions and videos, and more.

JURA offers a full range of Accessory and Care Products. The best-selling Cool Control, a countertop milk cooler that connects to a JURA machine, keeps milk at the optimum temperature for preparing coffee specialties.

For more information, visit jura.com.

2024-10-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you think this year has been especially severe for hurricanes, you’re not wrong. Back in August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) upgraded the 2024 hurricane season forecast to predict 17-24 named storms this year, which could make it one of the busiest on record. Unfortunately, this prediction is coming true, with the Atlantic Basin already seeing more frequent and much more intense storms.

While severe weather can cause conditions that are nearly impossible to fully prepare for, you can take some steps to help safeguard your family and property ahead of time.

“It’s best to assume a storm will hit your area at some point, so you can be proactive instead of just reactive,” said Craig Fugate, former administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “There’s no substitute for advance planning and preparation.”

Here are recommended actions to help you be more prepared for stormy weather.

1. Create or update your emergency kit

If you don’t have a household emergency kit, or you haven’t updated yours in a while, take time to stock up on items your household may need in case of a severe storm in your area. A great resource for packing your kit is Ready.gov/kit. Recommended items include bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and batteries, plus first aid supplies.

It’s also a good idea to have a “go bag” for each family member, packed with essential items in case you need to evacuate your home.

2. Maintain your property

Another crucial way to help weather-proof your house to some extent is to make sure your home and property are in good repair. If your home’s roof, siding and windows are in top condition, they may be better able to withstand at least some of the elements. Regularly inspecting your home to look for damage is recommended before, during and after storm season.

Another key component to help prevent one source of storm damage is ensuring that trees are not growing too near your home, and that they are in good health. Having your trees trimmed by a professional arborist can help ensure you’ll have fewer dead or damaged limbs that could fall on your home, car or power lines.

3. Protect your access to power

One of the toughest things to get through during and after severe weather events is the loss of power. Without electricity, food will spoil, and you can’t cook, access the internet or use other vital home electronics.

To help you power through the aftermath of a storm, Jackery offers an innovative new solar generator, the E2000v2, that’s capable of powering an extensive range of high-power appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, high pressure washers and more. It also features multiple outlets so you can power smaller devices such as routers, and is equipped with 18W USB-A and 100W USB-C ports to support smaller electronic needs. The generator also offers powerful, quick and convenient charging in as little as two hours.

Best yet, the E2000v2 is small and light, offering 30W uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for instantaneous emergency backup power in less than .02 seconds, making it a reliable solution for backing up vital electronics.

Unlike traditional gas generators that require further costs for fuel and maintenance, the E2000v2 can be combined with solar panels to harness power from the sun to serve as a renewable energy source, producing clean and free power with no ongoing expenses. Gas generators also create toxic and potentially deadly emissions, but the clean power provided by E2000v2 is coupled with silent operation — making it safe and convenient to use indoors.

Because of its small size and portability, you can use the E2000v2 for many other purposes, including tailgating, RVing, overlanding, camping and more. Its UL-listed safety, shock and fire resistance also make the E2000v2 ideal for working outdoors with tools that require a steady power supply.

Visit Jackery.com to learn more.

4. Be prepared to evacuate

Most importantly, make sure you’re ready to evacuate if needed. Having your go bags in an easily accessible spot, knowing how to turn off the electricity and gas to your home before you leave (to help prevent fires) and planning for a place to go with your family are all important steps to help you feel confident that you can leave quickly when necessary.

“Your local government officials are the best source when it comes to the conditions on the ground where you live,” added Fugate. “So it’s always important to tune in to what they’re recommending for residents in your area before a storm.”

Taking steps like these now can help you feel more prepared and secure, no matter what nature throws your way.